Personal Injury Attorney in Lexington, SC

There is the gathering, and then there is the migration.

A perfect example of a gathering that has become typical on a weekend night in downtown Lexington happened on Friday, Dec. 6, as thousands of people packed the seating bowl and connected pavilion at the Icehouse Amphitheater for the town’s annual Christmas Carolighting.

Families with young children crowded into the Icehouse area to get photos with Santa Claus, browse the shopping options from dozens of vendors who set up for the event, nibble on slices of pizza from one of a number of food trucks, and sip on cups of piping hot chocolate, with steam rising from their cups on a night with temperatures that dipped into the 30s.

It was an event that was capped with the lighting of the town’s towering Christmas tree, and a showing of the holiday movie “The Muppet Christmas Carol” in the amphitheater.

And as that festive gathering in the town’s trademark, $5 million amphitheater was beginning to wind down, the migration started taking place, as residents exited the amphitheater and headed up the hill toward Main Street in little packs, looking for nourishment, libations and a spot to keep the festivities going.

Some ducked into Barrio Tacos for nachos and tequila. Others landed at TakoSushi, the Asian and Latin restaurant that opened its doors near Main and Church streets in September. There was a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd in the bar at Irish pub O’Hara’s Public House, and a standing-room crowd at Keg Cowboy, the craft beer spot where Christmas lights dangle overhead and a painting of a young Robert DeNiro hangs above an ever-cranking jukebox.

It was a all indicative of a scene that has become increasingly common in downtown Lexington, where events at the amphitheater — from weekend markets to family movies to concerts featuring artists ranging from Tokyo Joe to Sister Hazel and beyond — help funnel patrons to the nearby bars, restaurants and boutiques that line Main Street.

There was a time when, if you lived in Lexington and wanted to have a bite of Thai food or a sip of craft beer or a slice of pizza in a downtown setting, you likely would have had to get in a car and head to Columbia. But now it feels like Lexington is increasingly carving out a vibe of its own.

It’s a scene Keg Cowboy owner Brian Nelson said he’s anticipated coming down the pipeline for some time. Nelson, who has had keg Cowboy for about 10 years, was at the restaurant on Dec. 6, working the kitchen and chatting up regular customers. During a break, he took a long slug from an icy bottle of Labatt Blue and surveyed the Friday night landscape at the bar, where patrons laughed and yelled and the crowd stretched to the door.

“In all honesty, this is what I’ve been hoping for for a decade,” Nelson said, with a little matter-of-fact shrug. “I felt like this would come. ... I [previously] spent 17 years in Charleston, and when we went out, we hopped. Drink and appetizer at one place, then you walk to the next place and do a drink and an appetizer, then you walk to the next place. We are getting there [in Lexington]. We are really close.”

If you build it, they will come, even in the bracing cold.

During the Dec. 6 carolightng events, residents crowded into the Icehouce Amphitheater and its connected plaza and market area to browse the dozens of vendors and food offerings that were available. Among them was Lexington resident Julie Noufal, who was with her daughter Amira, a local middle school student.

Noufal has lived in Lexington for just more than 10 years, and said she has watched as downtown has “boomed” in that time period. She said she likes to come to amphitheater events, and then head to nearby restaurants for a bite.

“We come up here [to the amphitheater] quite often,” said Noufal, who was bundled against the cold during the recent carolighting ceremony. “We follow Lexington’s [social media] pages and we love to see what’s going on, because when something is going on here it has Main Street really popping with all the restaurants and stuff, too.”

Aside from the residents who flock to the amphitheater for events, the venue also has become a critical spot for the vendors who offer various wares at the market that is connected to the venue. On Dec. 6, there were tables set out across the market space, with people offering everything from artwork to natural honey to clothing and jewelry and beyond.

Samad Green was manning the table for Christine’s Petite Sweets, which is his wife’s business. Christine’s specializes in various baked goods, and its mini cheesecakes are especially popular.

Green said he’s been amazed to watch the increased activity in downtown Lexington in recent years, with events at the amphitheater and new businesses popping up nearby.

“I’ve seen enough change that I know that the draw is coming back to the historic downtown,” Green said. “I appreciate it. I have had a chance to support a couple of the new restaurants that have popped up. We support those restaurants, instead of driving down to Columbia. It’s a beautiful, quaint little downtown. Most of the time you get to meet the owners or the people who are invested in the business.

“I love it, and to watch it begin to branch out into other parts of Lexington is amazing, as well.”

Lexington Mayor Hazel Livingston, who served on Lexington Town Council for 25 years before being elected mayor in 2023, was on-hand for the Dec. 6 carolighting. In a later conversation with The State, she noted the growth that has come to downtown Lexington in the years since the Icehouse Amphitheater opened.

And the mayor was also quick to point out there is more on the way. Voodoo Brewing Company has announced plans for a location at the northwest corner of Main and Church streets, and restaurateur Steve Cook, who runs Saluda’s in Columbia’s Five Points, plans to open a modern steakhouse on Main Street in the former Alodia’s space.

Livingston said the Icehouse Amphitheater is at the center of it all. It has drawn more than 162,700 visitors to downtown Lexington in the past year, the mayor reported.

“The growth is about more than numbers,” Livingston said. “It’s about creating a thriving downtown. One where people can explore diverse dining options, shop unique retailers and enjoy world class entertainment in the heart of Lexington.”

The bar at O’Hara’s Public House, located 131 E. Main St., was extremely full on the night of Dec. 6. Patrons were shoulder-to-shoulder at the bar, with regular tables and hi-tops packed with customers, and many others filling the standing room space.

Aside from the Christmas event that drew thousands to the amphitheater just down the street, O’Hara’s was also having Disco Night, a popular event it puts on the first Friday of every month. Owner Matt O’Hara said Disco Night has been a draw since it began nearly three years ago, and tables for the Dec. 6 edition had been reserved two weeks in advance.

O’Hara noted the Irish pub has sponsored various events at the Icehouse through the years, particularly those involving the band Tokyo Joe, which has also played at O’Hara’s. The pub owner — who also owns the nearby O’Hara’s Bakery Cafe — said the town’s keystone venue has been a boon for downtown businesses.

“The events at the amphitheater pretty much always drive a spike in our business,” O’Hara said. “We have gotten involved in sponsoring and helping make some of those events happen because they are such a good correlating bump for us. We do love that the town of Lexington has invested in bringing people into town.”

Over at Keg Cowboy, where Friday night revelers were trying different beers and noshing on fresh-baked pretzels, owner Brian Nelson took note that not all shows at the Icehouse are created equal, at least in terms of their ability to draw customers to the bar.

“It depends on what show is down there,” Nelson said. “There are shows that are absolutely our crowd. They come in here and pregame and postgame in here. There are shows that are not our crowd and they pregame and postgame other places. But collectively I’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who says it is a bad thing. I think, in the long run, it helps everybody.”

Gavin Smith is a member of Lexington Town Council and a native of Lexington County who grew up in the White Knoll area. He was at the Icehouse on Dec. 6, greeting citizens as they reveled in yuletide cheer.

Smith said the scene is a far cry from yesteryear.

“When I was a kid I can remember coming down Main Street and I remember there being limited things to do,” Smith said. ”Now you come down Main Street and we have thousands of people here on a Friday night to celebrate the Christmas season kicking off, and after they leave here they go and have a number of options to eat, to grab a drink with friends, to get dessert or to stay here at the amphitheater and watch a movie with their family.”

Both Livingston and Smith say downtown will continue to be a priority for town council, with each saying they’d like to see a larger public art presence in the town center, among other amenities.

The downtown scene is unfolding as town leaders had hoped, Livingston noted.

“It’s warming to my heart to see people out interacting with each other,” the mayor said. “I think what is happening in our downtown is a testament to council’s vision plan for years. It is literally coming to life before our eyes. We are seeing people interact with each other and be in community.”

This story was originally published December 13, 2024 at 5:00 AM.

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USC Women's Basketball

January 17, 2025 10:51 AM

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Kaleb Evans won’t finish this high school season, or his basketball career, at Lexington.

The Wildcats’ starting point guard, leading scorer and one of the top seniors in the state is “no longer with the team” at this time, Lexington coach Elliott Pope told The State on Monday night.

Evans was not with Lexington for the Wildcats’ home game against Catawba Ridge on Monday. Catawba Ridge defeated the Wildcats, 60-49.

“The Evans family informed us that their intentions are to move on from Lexington’s men’s basketball program at this time,” Pope said in a statement. “Lexington basketball wishes Kaleb the best with his future endeavors. As a state champion and thousand point scorer, Kaleb has left a significant impactful on Lexington basketball over the past two seasons. As has his father Kevin, who was a member of the 1996 state championship team, the Evans family tradition runs deep within the Lexington community.”

Evans posted a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) late Monday night.

“At the end of the day I gotta do what’s best for me and family, this life is all about taking risk, no bad blood with lexington or coach pope!!” Evans wrote.

Evans could possibly end up at Moravian Prep in North Carolina, according to Pope.

Moravian Prep is located in Hickory, North Carolina and plays teams from across the Southeast and the played at The Bash at Ridge View High School earlier this year. Moravian features South Carolina signees Eli Ellis and Hayden Assemian. The two future Gamecocks also play with the YNG Dreamerz squad, which is affiliated Overtime Elite basketball league. Evans is listed on the YNG Dreamerz roster as of Tuesday morning.

The YNG Dreamerz played a game in Charlotte Monday night against Blue Checks at Myers Park High School.

Evans is the Wildcats’ leading scorer this season and was all-tournament selection at the Cayce Roundball Classic at Brookland-Cayce last month. He signed with Winthrop in November and was named to 2024-25 S.C. Basketball Coaches Elite Players list.

“Winthrop is receiving a great young man and hard worker from a fantastic family,” Pope said. “Kaleb is and will remain a Wildcat and we hope for nothing but a prosperous career at the collegiate level and for the remainder of his senior season regardless of where it reaches its culmination.”

Evans was a starter on last year’s Wildcats’ state championship team in the backcourt with South Carolina Gatorade Player of Year Cam Scott and the lone starter back from last year’s squad. The Wildcats defeated Byrnes, 67-48, for the program’s first state championship in 24 years.

Evans had 12 points in the championship game and averaged 14.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, four assists and 1.9 steals last season.

Lexington entered Monday’s game with a 4-7 record and will begin region play Friday against Irmo.

There were rumors that Evans could leave in the fall for another school but he decided to stay at Lexington.

“Everybody thought I was going to leave just because we lost Cam and Jaxon (Prunty) and the whole senior class,” Evans said when he signed with Winthrop in November. “That wasn’t a big thing for me so that is why I stayed.”

This story was originally published January 6, 2025 at 9:51 PM.

The State

(803) 771-8419

Lou Bezjak is the High School Sports Prep Coordinator for The (Columbia) State and (Hilton Head) Island Packet. He previously worked at the Florence Morning News and had covered high school sports in South Carolina since 2002. Lou is a two-time South Carolina Sports Writer of the Year by the National Sports Media Association.

The winter weather in Friday’s forecast for the Columbia area of South Carolina is forcing several school districts in Richland and Lexington counties to adjust their class schedules and after-school activities.

The possibility that freezing rain, sleet, snow and more rain could make road conditions hazardous later in the afternoon, has prompted Richland 1 to dismiss students early from schools on Friday, district officials said Thursday morning. The district moved up the early release times by 30 minutes Friday morning.

Elementary schools will dismiss at 10:30 a.m., high schools at 11:15 a.m., and middle schools will dismiss at 12 p.m., according to a news release from Richland 1 officials. Students will be served breakfast and lunch before they are dismissed.

Additionally, all after-school programs and activities that were scheduled for Friday, including athletics events, have been canceled. All programs and activities scheduled for Saturday also have been canceled.

The district’s Winter Career Fair that was scheduled for Saturday has been rescheduled to Jan. 25 at C.A. Johnson High School.

Lexington 2: District schools and offices will dismiss early Friday because of forecasts of a potential wintry mix beginning that afternoon. Friday’s early dismissal times are 11:30 a.m. for elementary schools and 12:30 p.m. for both middle and high schools, Lexington 2 officials said.

All after-school activities/programs on Friday are canceled, including athletic events and practices, extracurricular activities, after-school programs, Boys and Girls Clubs, and adult education classes.

“The decision for a half-day schedule was made in an abundance of caution, with the safety of our students and employees top of mind, and in consultation with local, school and county officials,” Lexington 2 said. “The district will continue to monitor weather conditions and will communicate through our district and school channels should any further updates be necessary.”

Lexington 1: Officials said all district schools will operate on a half-day schedule on Friday due to the possibility of winter weather impacting roadways.

All Lexington 1 students will be served breakfast and lunch before dismissals at elementary schools (11:20 a.m.), middle schools (12:05 p.m.) and high schools (12:45 p.m.), officials said. There are a few exceptions, with Gilbert Middle School dismissing at 12:15 p.m. and both Pelion and Gilbert high schools dismissing at 12:25 p.m., according to officials.

All after-school activities will be suspended from dismissal on Friday until 10 a.m. Saturday, when conditions are projected to improve, officials said.

Lexington 3: District officials said that Friday will be an eLearning Day for all students and staff in the district, meaning they will not physically come to school but instead will complete assignments remotely from the safety of their home.

“Lexington 3 administrators prioritize the safety of our students, staff, and Panther families. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, students and staff will complete the school day remotely through our eLearning program on Friday.”

All after-school events including sports practices, meetings, etc. scheduled for Friday are canceled, officials said.

Lexington 4: Because of the significant chance of winter weather, district schools will operate on a half-day schedule exists to provide time for buses, students, and staff to safely complete their afternoon travel.

Lexington 4 students will be served breakfast and lunch before dismissals at the Early Childhood Center (11 a.m.), Sandhills Primary/Elementary (11:20 a.m.), Sandhills Middle School (11:30 a.m.), Swansea High Freshman Academy (12:15 p.m.), Frances Mack Intermediate (12:20 p.m.) and Swansea High (12:30 p.m.).

Additionally, all after-school activities, daycare, and athletics are canceled.

Lexington-Richland 5: Because the National Weather Service is predicting a wintry mix, including freezing rain, Lexington-Richland 5 officials said district schools will operate on an early release schedule Friday.

Students will be served lunch before dismissals at all intermediate schools (11:40 a.m.), all elementary schools (11:50 a.m.), Academy for Success (12:30 p.m.), all middle schools (12:45 p.m.), Spring Hill High School (12:50 p.m.) and all other high schools (1:05 p.m.), according to district officials.

Students in half-day preschool programs will not meet, while students with morning classes at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies will remain at their home schools for online instruction from their teachers. Afternoon classes at The Center and adult education will not meet.

In addition, all after-school activities and childcare are canceled, while Friday night athletic events are being rescheduled.

Richland 2: After initially announcing an early dismissal Thursday night, in anticipation of severe weather and unsafe travel conditions, Richland 2 officials moved Friday’s early release time up by 30 minutes on Friday morning. All school buildings and district facilities will close early, and all after-school activities, after-care programs, athletic/fine arts and other extracurricular activities, events and programs, adult education classes, etc. will be canceled.

Dismissals will be at elementary schools (10:30 a.m.), middle schools (11:15 a.m.) and high schools (12 p.m.), according to officials.

“The decision to dismiss early is based on the potential of a wintry mix of cold rain, snow and sleet (forecast) to impact our area later Friday afternoon,” Richland 2 officials said. “We want to ensure the safety of all students and district employees by keeping them off the roads during these potentially hazardous driving conditions.”

Saluda School District: Because of the potential for wintry weather and hazardous road conditions, Saluda County Schools has scheduled an eLearning Day for Friday, as all schools will be closed and students and staff will not report to school. Additionally, all after-school activities are canceled.

Orangeburg County School District: Students and staff will have an early release day on Friday to ensure everyone can be off the road ahead of predicted winter weather.

Dismissals will begin with elementary schools (11:30 a.m.), middle schools (12:30 p.m.) and high schools at 1 p.m., according to district officials. There are two exceptions, with Dover Elementary dismissing at 12:30 p.m. and Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School at 1:30 p.m.

All after-school and athletic activities have been canceled or postponed.

Sumter School District: Officials said schools will dismiss early on Friday, with elementary schools at 11 a.m., middle schools at 11:30 a.m. and high schools at 12:30 p.m. All after-school activities are canceled, according to officials.

Clarendon County School District: Officials said all district schools will dismiss early because of the chances of inclement weather. Additionally, all after-school activities and athletic events are canceled.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.

This story was originally published January 9, 2025 at 10:59 AM.

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Newly-appointed Head Coach arrives from Austin FC aiming to stay true to his footballing ideals after fascinating pathway

Lexington SC has got its new boss. Literally.

Last week, Terry Boss was introduced as the club’s new Head Coach as it moves to the USL Championship for the 2025 season, arriving after serving as an assistant coach at Austin FC of Major League Soccer for the past two seasons.

And the Oregon native arrives not only with a strong resume but a clear intent of how he wants to go about his new position.

“You have to be true to who you are,” Boss told media at his introduction. “That was one of my things with the ownership group, I was really clear about how we want to go about the game, how we want to win, and with that alignment we just felt energized.”

That alignment is going to be crucial as Lexington looks to raise its level after two underwhelming seasons in USL League One.

There was, to be fair, the regular coach-speak you get at introductory press conferences – I’ve yet to hear a coach say they didn’t want to control the game with and without the ball and play an attacking style of football when they’re speaking to media for the first time – but what might have been most revealing is Boss seems to understand what he can bring to the table, and where he’s going to need help.

“It’s also important we hire a good staff around us, that we’re balanced and we’re able to push each other,” said Boss. “I know my strengths, I know my weaknesses, and to be able to have guys come in and fill those spaces is really important to make sure the guys are able to succeed and do everything we’re asking them to do.”

What Lexington is aiming to accomplish as it lands in the Championship isn’t unheard of. It’s the sort of turnaround we’ve seen put into place at places like the Charleston Battery when it hired Ben Pirmann ahead of the 2023 season, and Las Vegas Lights FC this year as Sporting Director Gianleonardo Neglia and Head Coach Dennis Sanchez – who also came from Austin’s organization – rebuilt a squad from scratch to reach the postseason for the first time.

As in those projects, Lexington is going to have plenty of roster turnover this offseason. The club has announced six players will be returning, including its two leading scorers from 2024 in Cameron Lancaster and Ates Diouf. It’s going to be up to Boss and his staff to build those players and numerous newcomers into a successful squad.

It’s a big task, but one that bears watching closely.

This is an excerpt from The Rondo, the USL Championship's free Weekly Newsletter. Sign up to receive stories like this and more each week directly to your inbox: www.uslchampionship.com/newlsetter

"We're super excited about it. We think that Lexington needs it," said Christie Connelly, co-owner of Kindred Boutique.

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LEXINGTON, S.C. — If everything goes as planned, the town of Lexington could be seeing a brand new hotel on Main Street nex year.

"The more the merrier on Main Street," said Anne Kershner, owner of Nicky's Pizzeria.

Local restaurant owners like Kershner, welcome the idea of a new hotel sharing their side of the street, and so do retailers.

"We're super excited about it. We think that Lexington needs it. I've planned a couple of weddings in this area and with people coming in, traveling for those things, you need a nice place to stay," said Christie Connelly, co-owner of Kindred Boutique.

They said it's the place to be.

"In the two years that we have been here, we have grown exponentially. We have watched downtown Lexington just bloom with business," Kershner said.

According to town leaders, they gave hotel developers approval after board of appearance reviews last January and March, with a final approval just two months ago.

Town officials said that developers are about 60-90 days away from construction starting if Lexington County gives its land disturbance permitting.

The four story, 100+ room hotel would have an event venue, restaurant, and possibly a rooftop bar.

"That's a huge attraction for people, anytime that a rooftop is mentioned. A lot of people love sunsets and sunrises. I think that's a great idea," Abigail Bradley, Lexington resident said.

Developer and CEO of Lexington Hospitality Ajay Champaneri said he's already seasoned in the Midlands hotel market and knows that this is a need.

"We are in downtown Lexington, right? It is the heart. That site has not been developed for the last what, 15, 16 years now," Champaneri said.

Champaneri said he's already invested $1.4M into this hotel project. He's hoping everything comes together with lenders, stormwater drainage permitting and impact fees.

Council member Todd Lyle said the town is business friendly and open to level playing fields for everyone.

"We are very open to hearing any kind of appeal of an impact fee if there's extenuating circumstances or aspects of the applicant that would render the impact fee unjust as to that one applicant," Lyle said. "I realize there's always going to be folks that are holding on to the past, and it's important that we hold on to the memories and the values as best we can and incorporate those, but we also need to look at progress and moving forward, as life around us and industry and technologies continue to progress, so should the town.

According to the developer, if everything goes as planned, the hotel could open as soon as summer of 2026.

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